© 2025 Kansas Public Radio

91.5 FM | KANU | Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City
96.1 FM | K241AR | Lawrence (KPR2)
89.7 FM | KANH | Emporia
99.5 FM | K258BT | Manhattan
97.9 FM | K250AY | Manhattan (KPR2)
91.3 FM | KANV | Junction City, Olsburg
89.9 FM | K210CR | Atchison
90.3 FM | KANQ | Chanute

See the Coverage Map for more details

FCC On-line Public Inspection Files Sites:
KANU, KANH, KANV, KANQ

Questions about KPR's Public Inspection Files?
Contact General Manager Feloniz Lovato-Winston at fwinston@ku.edu
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Kansas Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Medical Marijuana Bill

Lawmakers and supporters of the bill introduce the legislation. From left to right are Rep. Cindy Holscher, Sen. Tom Holland, veteran Jason Dye and Rep. Jim Karleskint. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)
Lawmakers and supporters of the bill introduce the legislation. From left to right are Rep. Cindy Holscher, Sen. Tom Holland, veteran Jason Dye and Rep. Jim Karleskint. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)

Kansas lawmakers have rejected proposals to legalize medical cannabis in recent years. With a new governor in office, a bipartisan group of legislators is hoping this year could be different.

The lawmakers are introducing a bill to legalize medical marijuana in Kansas. It would require a doctor’s recommendation and patients would have to get a card issued by the state. The cannabis could only come from dispensaries licensed by the Board of Pharmacy.

The bill includes an initial 60-day period where cannabis would only be available for military veterans who may be suffering from PTSD or physical injuries from their service.

Democratic state Rep. Cindy Holscher said the plan would give people dealing with chronic pain and other ailments a new option that’s safer than opioids.

“The public’s opinion on this has really evolved very quickly in the past few years as we’ve seen deaths from opioids increasing and addiction rates there," Holscher said. "People need a better option.”

Republican Representative Jim Karleskint said it’s not a step towards legalizing pot just for fun.

“I’m not in favor of recreational marijuana, but there are so many benefits to the use of medical cannabis that 33 states have it,” he said.

Those states include several neighbors of Kansas: Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado.

Lawmakers have rejected medical marijuana proposals in recent years, but with a new governor in office supporters of the bill hope it has a better chance this year.

Stephen Koranda has more:


 

Stephen Koranda is KPR's Statehouse reporter.